Angelina Ballerina, The Mousical at the New Theatre, Oxford Review
Angelina Ballerina
The Mousical
New Theatre, Oxford
30 June to 1 July 2014
Reviewed by Helen Jiggins
I ventured out to Oxford by train with two my very excited girl/boy twins. On arrival and after a milkshake stop (one of the benefits of the New Theatre’s central location), we found our seats. My daughter was riveted from the outset, sitting forward on her seat and staring wide-eyed at the leaping dancers on the stage. My son however, slumped back on his seat and although he didn’t complain, he didn’t look impressed… until the “Dance Off”, when the boys took on the girls and pitted hip hop against ballet. It was like someone flicked a switch – he was on his feet, dancing in the aisle and having a great time.
Angelina Ballerina, The Mousical, is ostensibly musical theatre for pre-schoolers. The plot revolves around the need to put on a show and the greater need for cooperation and camaraderie. The six strong cast (one member plays two roles) is headlined by Joanna Gregory, as Angelina. She, as nominated Dance Captain, must rally the rest of her class of “mouslings” to create a dance show fit for TV (with what appears to be no support from her teacher or any other adult!). Suspension of reality is essential, but then again, all the actors are playing mice, so this does not prove too difficult.
The costumes, sets and choreography were all colourful, useful and fit-for-purpose, in that they were all bright, adaptable and largely did what it was designed to do by way of enhancing the dances, acting as backdrops for various locations and depicting the different styles of dance. The problem, of course, that as an adult reviewer this show was not designed for me or my age group, so I asked my twins who said “I want to be a ballerina now!” and “Yeah, dancing! Like this and like this!” (you’ll have to imagine to accompanying moves!). Overall, they seemed to have really enjoyed it.
I will say one other thing though, from my perspective as a parent, the show has a very commercial edge. From the £5 programme to the special Angelina pack, containing such things as a glowstick and a cardboard mouse on a stick for £6, available for sale in the theatre. This, after you have spent over £15 per ticket, leaves a slightly bitter taste in your mouth.
Then again, the kids really enjoyed it!
Rating: 4/5
Angelina Ballerina, The Mousical is touring the UK until September. For more information, tour dates or to book tickets visit www.angelinaballerinalive.com.
New Theatre Oxford, George Street, Oxford, OX1 2AG | 0844 871 3020
